tjones9163 :
thanks for response terry4536, does any different routers combat this problem with more security? Maybe a router that has DMZ features?
Having your router externally accessible is OFF by default on almost every consumer router. For good reason.
There will be daily (at least) access attempts to get in. Just random scans. And it's not by someone who knows your public IP address...just random scans, trying all potential IP addresses.
I saw that quite often with my NAS box. Random access attempts, from all over the planet. Lisbon, Geneva, Russia, China, Ohio, Sao Paulo...
So I shut it off.
Having it ON removes one layer of protection. All you are left with is your password.
Like if you have a locked front door, and a safe with a combination lock.
Having the router remote access ON, you've unlocked the front door for them. Now, they have free access to try various combinations on the safe.
Why would you need to access the router settings from outside?